Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

To get pearls, one must dive deep!

Tag: Christian leadership

Lesser known characters :: Barsabas

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On August 11, 2011

In Character-(istics), Christian, Lesser known characters

Barsabas, the name hardly rings a bell. But Barsabas (also known as Justus) was the surname of Joseph, the one who was chosen to be one of the two to replace Judas Iscariot and be numbered with the eleven other disciples chosen by Jesus. Joseph Barsabas (son of Sabas) and Matthias were chosen as a potential replacement to fill the gap left by Judas the betrayer of the Lord. The disciples prayed and the Lord selected the lot of Matthias. Though Barsabas was not chosen, is there something we can learn from Barsabas?

What can we learn from Barsabas?
The qualifications that had to be met for someone to replace Judas was as follows: The person had to have been with Jesus since his baptism by John the Baptist and be a witness to Jesus’ resurrection until the day of Jesus’ ascension. Think about this qualification. This means that this individual was there as a disciple of Jesus and followed him, all the time, from the start of his ministry till he ascended into heaven. Barsabas met this qualification and yet was not selected to take the mantle of leadership (bishoprick) (Acts 1:20) by God, since the lot selected was that of Matthias.

Irrespective of the outcome of a position to serve (as a leader), we must be like Barsabas, starting out to be with Jesus in his ministry (that is given to us), all the time, until the very end and have his resurrection realized in our very lives. This is the best position we can hold.

Acts 1:20-26 (KJV)
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Follow or Get out of the way

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On February 3, 2010

In Christian

One of the games we used to play when growing up was called “Follow the leader” or the “Copycat” game. You are probably familiar with this game. One of the group members (designated as the guesser) is asked to leave the room while the rest in the group select a person (as their leader) whose actions they will mimic. When the guesser returns, the guesser will have to figure out who the leader is. The game would usually turn out hilarious when the selected leader chooses to do something wacky or funny.

Today’s corporate world glorifies leadership and often discounts service and servanthood to be weak. Corporate culture today can be summarized into the maxim, “Lead, Follow or Get out of the way”, which sadly is not entirely the model to emulate according to the Bible for the followers of Christ. The Christian model really is “Follow or get out of the way”. There is no “lead” in Christian life. The leader is One and that is Jesus Christ. All in His family should be imitators a.k.a. mimickers/followers of God (Ephesians 5:1). Unfortunately, many in the family of God (including Churches) today, think of themselves to be the leader, without an ounce of humility or an attitude of servanthood. They expect to be mimicked instead of following Christ and encouraging others to do the same. Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19; 8:22; 9:9). Apostle Paul, God’s chosen servant, did not say “Follow me” but instead said, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  It is Christ (the ONE and Only Leader) whom we should be following. Additionally, there are many among us, who seek preeminence amongst their peers and God’s people. They focus on their individual goals and aspirations and stand in the way of God, who is working in His people to accomplish His will in their lives. The self seeking spirit of Diotrephes (3 John 1:9) is in them instead of the Spirit of Demetrius (3 John 1:12). They pursue after man’s accolades (a running after the wind) instead of God’s approval (a solid foundation). For such, the counsel is “get out of the way” before God removes you (as he did Saul).

At this juncture, I must also assure that I am not anti-leadership or anti-Christian leadership. I am the first to admit that Christians need to be leaders in the secular world (as well as in God’s Church), so that they can be influential in reaching many who do not have access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But when Christians are given a position of power or authority (in their homes, work or in the Church), they must treat that privilege (which can be taken away anytime) with a heart of humility and an attitude of servanthood. Otherwise, the world will end up guessing as to who truly the leader is and if it is anyone other than Christ Jesus that they guess, then these leaders have missed the mark. Furthermore, if they end up living wacky lives, then those observing these leaders will find it funny, and this is no laughing matter.

Point(s) to ponder:
If the world sees you and me and our life (thoughts, words, and deeds), will they guess that our Leader is Jesus Christ, whom we ought to be imitators (mimickers/followers) of?

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